Viral sensation Rodney the Tree’s duplex by Bellwoods hits the market for $2.7 million

At the beginning of 2022, homeowner Jamie Beurklian was living in West Queen West when he began a friendly disagreement with the City of Toronto. Beurklian had a rotting tree in the front yard of his semi on Massey Street. He and the forestry division agreed it had to go but couldn’t agree on the species to replace it. Then Beurklian’s friend Rodney went on a mission to city hall, arguing that an eastern redbud, a species native to Toronto, should be the tree of choice. The city conceded, and after the win, Beurklian named the tree Rodney in his friend’s honour, later listing it as a public point of interest on Google Maps.

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Rodney the Tree has since taken root as a viral landmark, with Torontonians and visitors from all over the world leaving positive ratings, reviews and even flowery poetry on its page.

Last week, Rodney’s house hit the market for a cool $2.75 million. “I’ll miss Rodney—he’s the most successful thing I’ve ever done,” says Beurklian. “But it’s time to move on and start a family in Etobicoke.” The house on Massey is marked by Beurklian’s personal flair, including built-in furniture, textured micro-cement details and a living roof (covered mostly in succulents) that helps regulate interior heat. The home’s front door was crafted by Beurklian, who reclaimed the wood from its former roof, which dates back to roughly 1903.

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Despite the sale, Rodney the Tree is here to stay. “Rodney didn’t affect the house’s listing price, but I consider him a bonus feature, and I’ll be leaving him in place,” says Beurklian. “I’m letting the buyer choose whether they take on his upkeep or let me do it. Rodney’s due for a prune in the fall. Happy to take that on.”

Some Toronto properties come with fancy landscaping. This one comes with a loyal tree fan club.